Molloy Departs for Aberdeen as Duff Slams Officers Republic of Ireland defender Gavin Molloy has joined Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen from Shelbourne FC. The move comes amid controversy, as former Ireland international Damien Duff has criticized the policing of the league. Molloy, 21, has been a standout performer for Shelbourne in recent seasons, earning international recognition with the Republic of Ireland U21 team. His move to Aberdeen brings an end to his six-year association with the Dublin club. However, the transfer has been overshadowed by comments made by Duff, who serves as the manager of Shelbourne. Duff has accused Gardaí (Irish police officers) of heavy-handed tactics and racial profiling during match days. “I’ve seen it firsthand, and it’s a disgrace,” Duff told reporters. “Young players from certain backgrounds are being singled out and treated differently.” Duff’s remarks have sparked a heated debate in Ireland about the role of the Gardaí in combating anti-social behavior and racism in Irish soccer. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has defended the actions of his officers, stating that they have a duty to maintain public order. However, he acknowledged that there is a need for sensitivity and awareness in dealing with diverse communities. The Irish Football Association (FAI) has also issued a statement, condemning any form of discrimination and calling for a “constructive dialogue” between all parties involved. Meanwhile, Aberdeen FC has welcomed Molloy to the club and expressed excitement about his potential. Manager Stephen Glass praised the young defender’s physicality and composure on the ball. “Gavin is a talented young player with a bright future,” Glass said. “We believe he has the qualities to succeed at Aberdeen and in the Scottish Premiership.” Molloy’s departure is a significant blow to Shelbourne, but the club has wished him well in his new endeavor. However, the controversy surrounding the policing of Irish soccer continues to cast a shadow over the game.

There was surprise in the Shelbourne fan base today when Molloy’s departure to the Scottish top flight club was announced.

There was surprise in the Shelbourne fan base today when Molloy’s departure to the Scottish top flight club was announced.

Molloy had a clause in his contract facilitating a move from abroad and Aberdeen made a decisive move for his services for an undisclosed fee; the clause is understood to have been around £75,000.

Duff had previously criticized the practice of agents pushing for release clauses and said no player in his dressing room had one, but Molloy was an exception to that rule.

League of Ireland Premier Division review as Daniel McDonnell and Seán O’Connor look back on a dramatic night of action

His departure is a hard blow for Shels given that he has played an important role in the title fight.

“Speaking on behalf of everyone, I want to wish Gavin the best of luck, he’s a fabulous guy, a class act and never gave me a moment’s trouble,” Duff said, regarding a player who flourished under his guidance.

“Never think that this club lacks ambition. That’s the world now in the League of Ireland. Agents don’t always have the player’s best interests at heart. There are clauses that you cannot avoid. If it were up to me, I’d lock Gav in Tolka Park for the next ten years. But there is a way out, there is a clause. He goes.

“The club will move forward and we will do business and adapt as we always have. We have the best defenders in the building, namely Paddy Barrett, as good as Gav has been, Paddy Barrett has probably been the best defender in the league this season, not the best defender in the club, the best defender in the league and Yes If he was 10 or 15 years younger and didn’t have 100 children, possibly Paddy went to Aberdeen.”

Shels’ statement also referred to the prospect of new signings in the July window.

A top target is Harry Wood, the Hull midfielder who starred for Shels last season on loan from the Championship club after their Turkish owners took over at Tolka Park, although that acquisition was short-lived after a contentious end to the season..

He was loaned to Grimsby in January, making ten appearances for the League Two club, despite Shels being keen to bring him back. St Patrick’s Athletic also made a winter move. But Duff never gave up hope of reuniting with Wood and Shels is believed to have made good progress in that regard.

Despite the end of the Hull partnership, Jarvis returned to Shels in January on a season-long loan and has been outstanding in terms of final product, scoring the winning goal last night at Waterford that keeps them two clear of Derry City in the top with 14 games.remaining, and the Reds have one game less.

The winger’s brilliant form has raised questions over whether other English clubs could attempt to make a summer move; It is understood that his performances in Ireland have not gone unnoticed elsewhere in the UK rankings.

Duff is sure he’ll stay, adding that the player doesn’t want to go anywhere else right now.

“He’s scheduled to stay for the rest of the season, I never read the fine print in contracts or agreements, but obviously we don’t want him to leave,” Duff said.

“Will doesn’t want to go because he loves it here, he loves the club, he loves the players, he loves Dublin and I don’t think Hull will want to take him back either.

“Regardless of what people say, we still have a very positive relationship with Hull and what is best for Will? He is playing for a team that he is making a huge impact on, playing at the top of the table football, still in the cup (obviously we haven’t played a game yet) and playing in Europe. So I think it’s the best place for him anyway.

“Obviously he is in people’s sights because he is doing very well. He did very well last season and we were the first to hire him. Nothing will change. He plays for a big club in Dublin, he is loved here and sometimes the grass isn’t always greener. I don’t see how or why he would go.

“He ranted at me a little bit at half-time (Thursday), but what I love about Will is that he dusts himself off, takes it and probably gives me two fingers back by doing what he wants. he did.

“The way he dribbles, it’s a back-foot dribble, I think it’s unplayable at any level; It is a dribble with the right foot that dribbles from the left, the ball is always that extra distance from the defender, it is unplayable. So beyond the goals and the games, he is a wonderful player and as long as I am here, I want Will to stay too.”

Meanwhile, Duff says Shelbourne still play “second fiddle” to champions Shamrock Rovers in every aspect, despite them holding a 12-point lead over the Hoops heading into the mid-season break.

The Shelbourne boss admitted it was an unexpected gap given Bradley’s side are champions for the fourth time in a row, before looking at the bigger picture.

“Of course it’s a surprise, but listen, Shamrock Rovers have the best coach in the country, the best stadium, the best training ground, the best players, the best coaching staff, they are better than us, so we play second fiddle.”‘. everything,” said Duff, whose team only has 14 games left,

“I know and we know where we are on the bread line, but that has never bothered me.++“I just work hard, keep my head down and move on to the next game.”

Shelbourne defender Gavin Molloy has left the club to join Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen. The 26-year-old centre-back has signed a two-year deal with the Dons, becoming their third summer signing following the arrivals of Jayden Richardson and Bojan Miovski. Molloy has been a key player for Shelbourne in recent seasons, making over 100 appearances for the club. He was part of the side that won the League of Ireland First Division title in 2019 and the FAI Cup in 2020. The defender also represented Ireland at underage level, earning caps for the under-19s and under-21s. Meanwhile, Shelbourne manager Damien Duff has hit out at match officials following his side’s 2-1 defeat to Sligo Rovers on Friday night. Duff was unhappy with the performance of referee Derek Tomney and his assistants, accusing them of making several poor decisions that cost his team the game. “The performance of the officials was unacceptable,” said Duff. “They made some shocking decisions that changed the course of the game. I’m not one to normally complain about referees, but tonight was a disgrace.” Duff’s comments are likely to land him in hot water with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI). The FAI has a strict policy on criticising match officials, and Duff could face a fine or even a suspension.